Business Details
40 Years
experience
Authentic BBQ & Catering in Elk Grove, CA
Founded in 1986 by Mack and Charlie Thomas, MacQUE's BBQ has grown from a small catering operation into a beloved regional barbecue destination. Our commitment to slow-smoked meats, scratch-made sides, and signature sauces reflects decades of culinary expertise honed through community engagement and event catering. Recognized for food safety excellence by Sacramento County, we combine military and law enforcement discipline with family values to deliver consistent quality.With two locations serving Elk Grove and beyond, we maintain our grassroots ethos while pursuing national franchising opportunities. Our team's hands-on experience spans equipment development for major events like the 2000 Olympics Trials, ensuring every meal meets exacting standards. This heritage positions us as both tradition-bearers of authentic barbecue craft and innovators in modern catering logistics.
Services
BBQ Catering
Full Meals
Sandwiches
Sides
Family Packs
Party Packs
Franchise Opportunities
Online Ordering
Gift Cards
Fundraising Events
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1986 with proven catering expertise for events up to 50+ people
- Awarded Food Safety & Cleanliness recognition by Sacramento County
- Scratch-made sides and proprietary sauces developed over three decades
- Established catering infrastructure serving corporate, wedding, and community events
- Recognized as Elk Grove Small Business of the Year
Associations and certifications
- County of Sacramento Environmental Management Department
What people say
#cravingsatisfied
Award of Excellence
Small Business of the Year
Community support
Authentic BBQ flavors
Services
BBQ Catering
Customized catering solutions for weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings. Our experienced team handles meal preparation, delivery, and buffet setup for groups ranging from 10 to 500 attendees. Specializing in authentic barbecue service with professional execution.
Slow-Smoked Meats
Traditional oak-wood smoked meats including tri-tip, pork ribs, brisket, and chicken. Each cut is seasoned with proprietary dry rubs and slow-cooked to maximize flavor retention and tenderness while maintaining food safety standards.
Family Meal Packs
Pre-portioned meal packages designed for family-style dining. Options include meat combinations, side dishes, and rolls with portion sizes serving 4-16 people. Available in standard and premium configurations with advance ordering.
Franchise Development
Multi-unit franchise opportunities with comprehensive support including site selection, equipment procurement, and operational training. Our proven business model includes proprietary recipes, supply chain partnerships, and marketing resources for successful unit launches.
Signature Sauces
Award-winning sauce formulations available for retail purchase or catering use. Four distinct flavor profiles including mild, hot, Louisiana-style, and specialty blends developed over 35 years of recipe refinement and customer feedback.
Questions
What catering options are available for large events?
We offer customized catering for groups up to 50 people with drop-off options for multiple shifts. Full-service catering for 50+ attendees includes buffet setup and premium side dishes.
How much does franchising a MacQUE's BBQ location cost?
Initial franchise fee is $37,500 with total investment ranging from $227,000 to $530,500 depending on location size and equipment requirements.
What are the restaurant's signature menu items?
Our slow-smoked tri-tip, pork ribs, and proprietary sauces are customer favorites. The 'Which Way is Up' meals let you combine multiple smoked meats with scratch-made sides.
What are the operating hours?
Open Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-8PM, Sunday 10:30AM-7PM, and closed Mondays. Catering orders require 72-hour advance notice for guaranteed service.
Do you offer fundraising opportunities for local organizations?
Yes, we partner with schools and community groups for fundraising events featuring our barbecue catering services and menu offerings.
Reviews (7)
K. G.
Jun 24, 2022
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The only REAL, AUTHENTIC five star BBQ to be found within 54 road miles (37 straight-line miles) of Elk Grove City Hall. I'll flesh out this review when I get a chance, but I'm telling you, if you haven't tried MacQue's yet, you are missing out. Great meat, smoked perfectly. Sauce is excellent, with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoke. Ribs, house-made links, brisket, sides, all of it -- great. Family owned and operated, professional, friendly staff, great atmosphere.
Rene Q.
Jun 11, 2022
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I ordered the chicken sandwich thinking it was going to be small, I mean for $8.99 I also get a side? Well, when I received my food I was shocked because the amount was a generous size. The mild bbq sauce was great too, not overwhelming either. I can see myself coming back for more good BBQ.
Justin H.
Jun 03, 2022
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I LOVE this place! The food is always fire, the service is amazing! They're quick and their sides are excellent. I've had many things on their menu but the house made hot link and the ribs are my favorite. I was pretty hungry today so I got the rib meal, it comes with two sides and a roll. I got their 51/50 sauce which is spicy and delicious, but seriously it's spicy. If you're in Elk Grove this is the spot to go. It's a family owned, black owned business, support them and support local business!
Vatsal R.
May 25, 2022
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Update: got a message from the owner clarifying that the "1/2 chicken" option of the combo menu means "1-2 pieces of the 1/2 chicken". Now I think they deserve a 5-star review and I gave them "1-2 stars of the 5-star review".
Spencer J.
May 22, 2022
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In an age of dying customer service this place is a breath of fresh air! Excellent customer service from the first greeting until we left! All the food we got was really good and the homemade hot links are LEGIT! Bart sandwich is off the hook. We will be back!
Adam O.
May 15, 2022
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I haven't been here in over 23 years and this place did not disappoint. The servings were super healthy and tasty. The bbq sauce is incredible! I bought some to take home as well. I had a brisket sandwich and it was nothing short of perfect. My son had a tri tip sandwich and, again, super healthy portions and it prepared perfectly. We both had the beans and rice and that was great as well. I highly recommend this place.
Aiden Keller
May 07, 2022
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Really not a fan of this place. Their potato salad taste like it came from Walmart. The ribs still have the membrane on. Neither the chicken nor the brisket were cooked long enough because the fat was not rendered in the slightest. Some of the chewiest and dryest brisket I've ever had.
